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Alamo · Costa Rica

Does Alamo require an IDP in Costa Rica?

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Costa Rica lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Alamo still requires an IDP if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter.
Get my permit for Costa Rica All Alamo requirements
Alamo in Costa Rica
Alamo IDP policyRequired for non-Roman-alphabet licences
Alamo footprintGlobal
Accepted format1949 Geneva
Minimum rental age18+ (surcharge under 25)
Drives on theRight

Alamo in Costa Rica: the policy in plain terms

Requires an IDP for licences in a non-Latin alphabet and recommends one for all international renters. Leisure-focused brand popular for airport pickups.

Costa Rica drives on the right and lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence for up to 90 days; an IDP is advised for non-Latin scripts.

In Costa Rica specifically, costa Rica lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Alamo still requires an IDP if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. Mandatory liability insurance is added at the desk; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.

Alamo runs a global network; at its Costa Rica desks, foreign renters are asked for the 1949 Geneva-format International Driving Permit alongside the original licence. Costa Rica drives on the right, uses the CRC, and sets a minimum driving age of 18; an IDP is still the safest way to avoid a refused booking.

What to bring to the Alamo counter in Costa Rica

  • Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
  • Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva format.
  • Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
  • Local payment for the CRC deposit; Costa Rica drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.

Driving rules in Costa Rica Alamo renters should know

  • Drive on the right.
  • Mandatory state liability insurance on rentals.
  • 0.05% alcohol limit.
  • 4x4 advised for rural and rainy-season roads.

Common questions

01
Do I need an IDP to rent from Alamo in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Alamo still requires an IDP if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter.
02
What documents should I bring to the Alamo desk in Costa Rica?
Bring your original national driving licence, your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva format, your passport, and the payment card in the main driver's name. Costa Rica drives on the right and the minimum rental age is typically 18+.
03
What is Alamo's general policy on International Driving Permits?
Requires an IDP for licences in a non-Latin alphabet and recommends one for all international renters. Leisure-focused brand popular for airport pickups.
All Alamo countriesDriving in Costa Rica